The Susan G. Komen Tampa Bay 3-Day began on a beautiful Friday morning with stretching and Zumba led by local instructors, followed by a tribute to cancer survivors and those whom we have lost to breast cancer. The 19.5-mile route started out at Sand Key Park and led us over the bridges of Clearwater, through Belleair Bluffs, Largo, Indian Shores and finally St. Petersburg. The Clearwater firefighters and ambulances showed great spirit with their pink fire engine and detailed ambulance. Pinella Fire and Rescue provided a fun cheering station with a firefighter decked out in a full pink suit. Private cheering stations popped up on the latter half of the route along Gulf Boulevard with businesses and community support cheering us to the finish line. At camp that evening, we listened to a Survivor's speech by Charlie McClaren, a tribute to the top fundraisers for the Tampa Bay 3-Day, and a Milestone Award given to Kimberly Crist, a seven-year participant.

Saturday's journey opened with excellent weather, and the 19.5-mile route moved through the neighborhoods of Seminole, complete with the Seminole Fire Department handing out pink Italian ice. Youth Corps decorated the sidewalks with encouraging messages and we continued through Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and back to St. Petersburg. A team of New Balance-sponsored cheerleaders at pit stop 2 cheered us on. Warmer weather had us accepting the gracious support of the refreshing cheering stations along the last two miles on Park Avenue. A camp show that evening delighted us with games from presenting sponsor Bank of America and a sweet presentation from the Youth Corps. Elyse Miller, a young survivor, and Sonja Ancrile, a co-survivor, gave speeches and inspired the crowd. We slept well in great weather before our final day of walking.

The 15.8-mile route on Day 3 wound its way through St. Petersburg, passing through Gladden, Booker Creek, Woodlawn and Crescent Lake Park. The cool morning was delightful to walk in, and we enjoyed gorgeous views of the Bay with white sand beaches next to the route at pit stop 3. Several of the emergency medical services teams from different towns reappeared along the route to show their support. The 60-mile journey ended at Spa Beach Park to the cheers of a large crowd of family and friends. An emotional Closing Ceremony with a tribute to the walkers' dedication and to the battling of breast cancer by the Survivors' Circle, capped a weekend of beautiful weather, spectacular views of Florida, and fun times.